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I’m married to an artist.  He often has to search for a pair of pants that hasn’t been tainted with oil or acrylic paints.  Sometimes shirts are as difficult to selvedge.  Still, I’m particularly fond of this artist.

When he was set apart, in his own little corner of art class, to sculpt a piece of limestone into a sculpture of a ram, I knew how dedicated he was.  He studied under our high school art teacher who saw great potential in this 18 year old student.

Later he went on to the Art Institute of Chicago and Layton School of Art in Milwaukee.  Never did he doubt that this would be his life calling.  After a stint in the Air Force, he began a career in the advertising business and maintained  that career for thirty eight years.  Later, he would find great joy in creating large sculptures commissioned by businesses and homeowners.  Painting was always kind of on the back burner, until the last 20 years.

He’s now an avid painting artist, dabbling in water color, acrylic, gouache, pastels and oil.  He especially loves painting outdoors and competes in various contests in that venue.

Today he has ventured out, yet again, to paint outside in temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees, high humidity and wind.  To brave the elements and feed the passion he has to create beautiful and inspiring art.

Sometimes it takes a long time to fulfill your life’s dreams.  We start out with idealistic thoughts of changing the world, making a difference, being the best in our field.  We go through the process of creating a life – a family – a legacy.  If we’re fortunate, God gives us opportunities to share our gifts with others, through our work.

Remember, when you see an artist working at his craft, most often this isn’t just a hobby.  It’s a way of life which they’ve spent time developing over years of training and experience.  Sometimes there isn’t money to buy a canvas, so they paint on something else.  Maybe the paints are running out, but they skimp to save and still make great art.

When you purchase a piece of art done by a craftsman, it may cost you more, but think of it as an investment.  Art never decreases in value.  In fact some art collectors will tell you, this is why they collect art.

I love my artist husband – not only because of what he has to offer the world through his work, but that he has taken what God endowed him with and used it to the fullest capacity.  He will also tell you that he’s still learning.